NSW: Govt should have pressed for a ban on JI: Opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2006
NSW: Govt should have pressed for a ban on JI: Opposition

The Federal Opposition says outspoken Muslim cleric ABU BAKAR BASHIR would still be
behind bars if the Australian government had pressured Indonesia to ban terrorist groups
Jemaah Islamiyah.

BASHIR .. widely known as the spiritual leader of JI .. this week had his Bali bombing
conviction overturned by the Indonesian Supreme Court.

The decision sparked outrage among the families of victims.

Opposition defence spokesman ROBERT MCCLELLAND says Australia's taking a limp wristed
approach to JI .. and is undermining the effectiveness of its regional counter terrorism
push.

Mr MCCLELLAND says the government hasn't put enough pressure on the Indonesian government
to outlaw JI.

AAP RTV ajc/go/cp

KEYWORD: INDON BASHIR LABOR (SYDNEY)

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